Senegal Launches its First Satellite, Gaindesat-1A

Senegal’s first satellite tv for pc, Gaindesat-1A, was efficiently launched aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9—Transporter 11 rideshare mission on Friday, August 16, 2024, from Vandenberg House Drive Base, USA.

Developed via a partnership and joint programme between Senegal and its technical accomplice, the College House Centre of Montpellier (CSUM), the earth commentary nanosatellite will gather and transmit information to varied measuring stations within the nation for environmental monitoring and function a testing floor for numerous functions to attain self-reliance in buying, analysing, and utilising imagery information in Senegal.

In acknowledgement of this milestone, President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye mentioned, “Senegal is getting into a brand new period in the present day with the profitable launch of our first satellite tv for pc, GAINDESAT-1A, at precisely 6:56 p.m. from the Vandenberg base in California. The results of 5 years of arduous work by our engineers and technicians, this breakthrough marks a serious step in the direction of our technological sovereignty. I wish to categorical my satisfaction and gratitude to all those that made this venture doable.”

The Gaindesat-1A will present useful information to higher handle Senegal’s water sources, enhance climate forecasts and aviation security, and contribute to the monitoring and administration of Senegal’s lakes and watercourses.

The nanosatellite was beforehand scheduled for launch in July 2024. In 2019, Senegal introduced its bold plan to construct and launch its first satellite tv for pc inside two years. The venture is designed to harness house know-how for socio-economic progress and scientific development whereas additionally fostering a vibrant native house ecosystem that helps analysis and drives industrial innovation, and the launch of the nation’s first satellite tv for pc demonstrates its dedication in the direction of this objective.

Watch the launch right here.